Lions face biggest opponents yet in high-stake URC logjam... themselves

In previous years, a URC meeting between the Lions and Munster, defending champions, would've been considered nothing more than nuisance value to the Irish heavyweights. 

Even Saturday's edition at Ellis Park, on paper, would still appear a match where the hosts - 11th on the log - could merely hope to derail their opponents' surge in form, where they now sit prettily in third.

In reality, there's a lot at stake for the Lions in their push for an elusive spot in the play-offs.